Kentucky’s Best Slashing Wings

Aside from our region by region previews that have been going on for a couple of weeks, part of the 2018-19 season preview will be breaking down the state’s top players by position. Today we continue by taking a look at the state’s best slashing wings. Kentucky is full of some big time slashers attacking from the perimeter. Here’s a look at some of the best slashers in the state.

Dontaie Allen, Pendleton County – One of the best wing prospects in the country, Dontaie is a dynamic scorer, especially in isolation. Allen has the ability to score a all three levels but is best when putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim.

Jackson Harlan, Clinton County – Committed to WKU since June, Harlan is an excellent slasher in addition to being a solid shooter from the perimeter. Jackson was one of the state’s top scorers last season and should be near the top again as a Senior.

JJ Kalakon, Waggener – JJ is highly skilled and is one of the better isolation scorers in the state. Kalakon can finish through traffic with either hand and will absolutely try to dunk on you if the opportunity presents itself.

Trevon Smith, Taylor County – Smith is at his best going downhill and attacking the rim, especially with his left hand. Tre also is a good vertical athlete capable of hammering home dunks in transition.

Derrin Boyd, Caldwell County – Boyd is built like a running back at 6’2 and strong. That helps him bully his way to the rim and finish through contact when he gets there. Derrin could lead the state in “And-1” drives this season.

Marques Warrick, Henry Clay – Ques is very crafty with the ball in his hands and continues to improve at finishing through contact. A year ago Warrick was predominantly a catch and shoot player but now is more of a slasher and one of the top players in the 11th region.

Amari Taylor, Tates Creek – Taylor has started bulking up heading into his Junior season and could be primed for a breakout this year. Amari is not a great shooter but he will get downhill in a hurry and has recently started trying to dunk about everything.

Reese Smith, Boyle County – Reese is known for his abilities on the football field where he is a high major recruit but he is a heck of a basketball player also. Look for Reese to average around 20 points per game mainly off of attacking the rim and drawing fouls.

DaShawn Jackson, Frederick Douglass – Like Warrick, Jackson was primarily a catch and shoot player when I saw him a year ago. Now DaShawn is more of a driver who is looking to finish everything at the rim.

Isaiah Mason, Bowling Green – Mason has one of the highest ceilings of any 2021 prospect in Kentucky and his ability to get to the rim is a large reason why. Mason is long and athletic and isn’t far off from trying to dunk on everyone. If he keeps developing, watch out for Mason as a high major prospect.